Fire play is definitely only for those who have mastered and understand fully the wands basic operation. The wand emits a high energy spark and in that regard is not much different from the electric spark igniter on modern gas ranges. It can be used to ignite various fuels. The most common fuel used with the wand is simple alcohol (rubbing alcohol works, as do most high proof spirits). Do not use gasoline etc. Try igniting the alcohol in a small dish first. If you are experimenting with the wand during the daytime one of the first hazards will become immediately apparent: alcohol has an almost invisible flame in daylight. Dissolving a little salt in the alcohol before hand will produce a more visible, yellow flame. Igniting alcohol on someone is inherently dangerous, you should have the necessary materials on hand to extinguish the flames and care for burns should something go awry.

Before you even pick up the wand make sure to have a wet towel handy to put out fires. Whenever you are holding the wand and doing fire play you should always have that wet towel in your other hand.

You will find that with fire play, things are easier if the subject is prone. The area that is ignited should be both predictable and manageable. This is more difficult to achieve if the person is standing and the alcohol is running down their body due to gravity. The goal should be a small puddle of alcohol that will stay put. Apply about a half teaspoon or less of alcohol. Do not ignite it yet. Observe the puddle. Does it look like it will stay in the area? Is it running down the sides of their body? Once you have satisfied yourself that the alcohol is going to stay where you put it, ignite it with the wand. You should be prepared for the person to flinch and perhaps make the alcohol run off. If this happens the alcohol will run down the side of their body and pool at their side. It will continue to burn however, the flames running up the side of their body. If this happens you should be prepared for it, and extinguish the flame.

Many find it convenient to have a small squirt bottle to dispense the alcohol. This is certainly more graceful than lugging around a bottle of bourbon. It will also allow you to dispense very minute amounts easily. Take care however, if you ignite a stream as it is being squirted, the flame will run up the stream and quite possibly ignite the bottle. Make sure that you have stopped the flow of alcohol and removed the bottle before ignition.